ADHD awareness month 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people pay attention, control impulses, and can sometimes be hyperactive. It is one of the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents, and it usually continues into adulthood.

Girls and young women with ADHD are often misunderstood and mislabeled. They usually need a little extra support and understanding.

If you are a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Ranger leader, there are a number of things you can do to support girls and young women with ADHD:

  • Learn about ADHD. The more you know about ADHD, the better equipped you will be to support girls and young women with the condition. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries.

  • Talk to the girls and young women in your group about ADHD. Let them know that you understand the challenges they face, and that you are there to support them.

  • Be patient and understanding. Girls and young women with ADHD may need more time to complete tasks, or they may be more easily distracted. Be patient and understanding, and offer breaks and support when needed.

  • Adapt your activities to meet the needs of all your members. Some girls and young women with ADHD may benefit from shorter, more structured activities. Others may benefit from activities that allow them to move around and burn off energy.

  • Provide positive feedback. Girls and young women with ADHD often receive negative feedback. It is important to provide them with positive feedback whenever possible. This will help them to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Here are some specific tips for supporting Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers with ADHD:

Rainbows:

  • Keep activities short and structured.

  • Provide clear and concise instructions.

  • Offer breaks and support when needed.

  • Use visual aids to help girls stay on track.

  • Praise girls for their efforts.

Brownies:

  • Allow girls to move around and burn off energy during activities.

  • Provide choices whenever possible.

  • Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

  • Offer help and support when needed.

  • Encourage girls to take breaks when they need them.

Guides:

  • Provide opportunities for girls to take on leadership roles.

  • Encourage girls to work together as a team.

  • Help girls to develop their problem-solving skills.

  • Provide positive feedback and encouragement.

  • Be patient and understanding.

  • Encourage Guides to develop healthy friendships with understanding of ADHD.

Rangers:

  • Provide opportunities for Rangers to develop their independence and self-reliance.

  • Encourage Rangers to set goals and challenge themselves.

  • Help Rangers to develop their time management and organizational skills.

  • Be respectful of Rangers' boundaries.

  • Celebrate Rangers' successes.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and supportive environment for girls and young women with ADHD. Remember, every girl is different, and what works for one girl may not work for another. Be patient, understanding, and supportive, and work with the girls and young women in your group to find what works best for them.

Supporting Girlguiding Volunteers with ADHD

As a Girlguiding leader, there are a number of things you can do to support your volunteers with ADHD:

  • Be understanding and supportive. Let your volunteers know that you understand their challenges and that you are there to support them.

  • Provide clear and concise instructions. Break down complex instructions into smaller steps and provide written instructions as well as verbal instructions.

  • Give volunteers breaks when they need them. Allow volunteers to move around or take a break to fidget if they need to.

  • Be flexible with your expectations. Don't expect volunteers with ADHD to be able to sit still and focus for long periods of time. Also communicate with them to ensure they are not overloaded with tasks as a leader.

  • Pair volunteers with ADHD with a buddy or mentor. This can help them to develop and feel supported.

  • Provide opportunities for volunteers to use their strengths. People with ADHD often have a lot of creativity and energy. Find ways for your volunteers to use their strengths in your unit.

Here are some additional tips for supporting Girlguiding volunteers with ADHD:

  • Create a predictable and organized environment. This can help volunteers to feel more comfortable and in control.

  • Minimize distractions. If possible, hold meetings in a quiet place with few distractions.

  • Offer breaks throughout activities. Allow volunteers to get up and move around or fidget if they need to.

  • Be positive and encouraging. Let volunteers know that you appreciate their contributions and that you are there to support them.

By following these tips, you can create a supportive and inclusive environment for all of your Girlguiding volunteers, including those with ADHD.

If you are a volunteer who has ADHD

Here are some tips for a Girlguiding volunteer who has ADHD:

  • Be honest with your leaders about your ADHD. Let them know what your challenges are and what kind of support you need.

  • Be proactive in asking for help. Don't be afraid to ask your leaders for assistance with tasks or activities that you find difficult.

  • Take breaks when you need them. Don't try to push yourself too hard. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away and clear your head.

  • Find activities that you enjoy and that you're good at. This will help you to stay motivated and engaged.

  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and people with ADHD are no exception. Just pick yourself up and keep going.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

  • Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your commitments. This will help you to avoid forgetting important meetings or events.

  • Set realistic goals for yourself. Don't try to do too much at once. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.

  • Delegate tasks to others when possible. This will free up your time so that you can focus on the things that are most important to you.

  • Find a support system. Talk to other people with ADHD or join a support group. Having people who understand what you're going through can be very helpful.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many other Girlguiding volunteers with ADHD. With the right support, you can thrive in your role and make a valuable contribution to your unit.

Remember that you are a valued part of Girlguiding Cymru!

Lisa Edwards